STATEMENT FROM MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG ON THE DEATH OF POPE JOHN PAUL II

“New Yorkers join the world in mourning the death of Pope John Paul II, who leaves a legacy of compassion and love that humbles us all. He was a steady beacon of light in our often dark and tumultuous world. On his tireless travels, he broke down walls – including the Iron Curtain that isolated and repressed his native Poland – and spread his message of peace and human dignity to all faiths. His unconditional love for all people brought nations, races, and religions closer together, healing old wounds and celebrating common ground. New Yorkers were honored to host John Paul twice during his papacy, and those will always be remembered as great days for our City. With his passing, Roman Catholics have lost an inspiring spiritual leader, and the world has lost a loving and devoted friend.”